False sense of self
I'd like to say God has removed this defect from me completely, however, that would be, well you know....
My experience with regular inventory is this. When I lie it is a result of my false sense of self, or Ego. My true self needs no defending, it is perfection, just like yours.
I lie when I am afraid, that is the root of it, matter of fact, fear is at the root of just about all my stuff I have clung to. It's a good way to measure my current level of agnostocism. Thanks for the Topic Rufus.